With Tool Pivoted To Plier Patents (Class 7/128)
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Publication number: 20010018778Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a cross-jaw module removably attached to a pair of channel-shaped handles with a pair of clips. Each clip removably attaching the tang of each jaw of the cross-jaw module to one of the handles. The multi-function tool also includes a spring biased wedge lock to positively lock a plurality of pivotal attached ancillary implements in an open position. An anti-rotational washer located between adjacent implements prevents rotation of a non-selected implement. The washers include a protrusion that is received in a slot in the handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2001Publication date: September 6, 2001Inventors: Phillip A. Montague, Edgar A. Dallas, Paul W. Poehlmann
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Patent number: 6282996Abstract: A folding multipurpose tool including adjustable locking pliers with an over-center locking mechanism to retain the jaws in a gripping condition. The jaws of the locking pliers can be folded into the handles of the tool to produce a compact folded configuration. A latch mechanism in the tool handle retains a selected one of several folding tool bits or blades in an extended position for use and includes an abutment arrangement to prevent such a selected tool bit from being extended too far. A spring associated with a tool bit driving socket retains separate tool bits and resists inadvertent removal of an adjustment screw element of the locking pliers. Upon removal of the adjustment screw element, special bits, such as a corkscrew, can be screwed into the tool bit driving socket.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventors: Howard G. Berg, Timothy S. Leatherman, Benjamin C. Rivera, Reinhard Srajer
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Patent number: 6282997Abstract: A multipurpose tool having pivoted jaws is provided. Elongated handles are attached to the butt end of each jaw. The handles are channel shaped and define recesses into which the interconnected jaw members can be swung or retracted so as to be nested in the handles. Handle covers are pivoted to each handle and include an opening through which the jaw members pass when moved between the open and closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: SOG Specialty Knives, Inc.Inventor: Spencer Frazer
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Publication number: 20010015114Abstract: A multi-purpose folding tool including a pair of folding scissors, in which a scissors blade is movable about a pivot shaft, between a stowed position and a deployed position. A rocker is moved by a spring in the tool handle and urges a movable scissors blade toward an open position. In one embodiment two handles are folded about respective scissors blades to house the blades, and four springs hold the handles together with the folded scissors stowed within the handles. A pair of tweezers of sheet metal includes a pair of parallel arms each perpendicular to a base portion of the tweezers. When the scissors and other tools are folded into their stowed positions in the handle of the multi-purpose tool of the invention the tool has a smooth outside configuration allowing the tool to be carried in a pocket without causing undue wear.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2001Publication date: August 23, 2001Inventors: Howard G. Berg, Benjamin C. Rivera
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Publication number: 20010014986Abstract: A multifunction or combination tool having a set of retractable replaceable pliers contained within U-shaped handles when not in use and extend from the handles when is use. Ancillary blade-like devices are pivotally attached to the ends of the handles opposite to the pliers and stored within their respective handles when not in use. The ancillary tools may be chosen to meet specific needs of a user. The blades are held in place by individual springs which allow one ancillary tool at a time to be chosen and used whenever the pliers head associated with the opposite end of the handle is extended. The replaceable pliers may be changed by the end-user to meet particular needs and the pliers may take the form of square jaws, needle noise jaws, tin snips, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2001Publication date: August 23, 2001Applicant: Alterra Holdings CorporationInventor: Dan W. Harrison
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Publication number: 20010010100Abstract: A folding multipurpose tool including adjustable locking pliers with an over-center locking mechanism to retain the jaws in a gripping condition. The jaws of the locking pliers can be folded into the handles of the tool to produce a compact folded configuration. A latch mechanism in the tool handle retains a selected one of several folding tool bits or blades in an extended position for use and includes an abutment arrangement to prevent such a selected tool bit from being extended too far. A spring associated with a tool bit driving socket retains separate tool bits and resists inadvertent removal of an adjustment screw element of the locking pliers. Upon removal of the adjustment screw element, special bits, such as a corkscrew, can be screwed into the tool bit driving socket.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2001Publication date: August 2, 2001Applicant: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc., an Oregon CorporationInventors: Howard G. Berg, Timothy S. Leatherman, Benjamin C. Rivera, Reinhard Srajer
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Patent number: 6243901Abstract: A compound, multiple function, foldable tool having first and second handles, a tool head with pivotable jaw members, and a plurality of additional tools. The tool head are stored within first channels on first sides of the handles, and the additional tools are stored within second channels on second sides of the handles opposite the first sides. Thus, when the tool head is used, the additional tools do not interfere with gripping of the handles during use of the tool head. Moreover, because of the position of the additional tools, these tools are easily accessible while the tool head is in the storage position. The compound tool may also include a ratchet and an adapter and coupler that fit on the ratchet or at least one of the additional tools so that even further tools may be fit on the compound tool. An easy to read full length, straight edge ruler may optionally be provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the handles.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Swiss Army Brands, Inc.Inventors: Carl S. Elsener, Eduard A. Elsener, Albert F. Rohrer, Walter X. Rohrer, Franco Giarritta
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Patent number: 6233769Abstract: A hand tool such as a knife or a combination tool includes multiple blades, each independently rotatable on a common axle between a closed position within a handle of the tool and an open position extending from the handle. Each blade is positively but releasably locked into its open position. Those blades which remain closed are biased toward the closed position when the opened blade is locked into position and also as it is opened and closed. A single locking, releasing, and biasing mechanism serves all of the blades in one handle.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2000Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Randolph J. Morton, Gabriel Alejandro Draguicevich, Roy L. Helton, Jr., Gregory F. Rubin
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Patent number: 6226822Abstract: A tool structure including two grips and a tool head. By way of an opening of a first pivot section of the grip, the first pivot sections of the grips can be separated, permitting the grips to be folded to two sides of the tool head. This reduces the room occupied by the tool and facilitates storage and carriage of the tool. The first pivot sections of the grips are spaced from the second pivot sections of the tool head by a certain distance to form a double-lever structure and prolong the length of the force application arm so as to save strength.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Inventor: Jin-Fu Chen
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Patent number: 6223374Abstract: A plier device includes two handles each having an open channel formed in one end, and a pair of rods pivotally secured together at a middle pivot pin. The rods include two ends each having a pair of jaws. The jaws each includes a rib engaged into the channels of the handles for detachably securing the tool device to the handles. The handles each includes a pair of flanges extended inward of the channel, the jaws each includes a pair of opposite grooves for receiving the flanges of the handles. The handles each has a spring-biased projection engaged with the jaws.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Hsing Tai Lin
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Patent number: 6219870Abstract: A lock release mechanism for a folding combination tool having a plurality of supplemental tools (e.g., a knife, screwdriver, can opener, etc.) mounted at the free end of a generally U-shaped handle for rotation from a storage position within the handle to an extended “in use” position outside the handle. The locking mechanism is characterized by a leaf spring formed at the free end of the handle that lockingly engages the mounting end or shank of one or more of the supplemental tools when such tool is rotated from the handle to its fully extended position for use. The lock release mechanism preferably includes a bulge, formed on a different supplemental tool, that extends outside the handle so that the bulge may be depressed into the handle by a user.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Imperial Schrade Corp.Inventors: David A. Swinden, James Quinn, Robert Andersen
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Patent number: 6220127Abstract: A multi-purpose folding tool including a pair of folding scissors, in which a scissors blade is movable about a pivot shaft, between a stowed position and a deployed position. A rocker is moved by a spring in the tool handle and urges a movable scissors blade toward an open position. In one embodiment two handles are folded about respective scissors blades to house the blades, and four springs hold the handles together with the folded scissors stowed within the handles. A pair of tweezers of sheet metal includes a pair of parallel arms each perpendicular to a base portion of the tweezers. When the scissors and other tools are folded into their stowed positions in the handle of the multi-purpose tool of the invention the tool has a smooth outside configuration allowing the tool to be carried in a pocket without causing undue wear.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventors: Howard G. Berg, Benjamin C. Rivera
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Patent number: 6216301Abstract: A multipurpose hand tool with folding handles each including a central channel to receive pliers jaws or the like when the tool is folded, and including troughs holding outer blades alongside the central channel so that the outer blades can be opened without unfolding the tool. The troughs face opposite the direction of the central channels, and the bases of the outer troughs act as comfortable places to grip the handles when they are extended for use of the pliers. Blade locking mechanisms are incorporated in the walls of the central channels to lock each of the outer blades in an extended position.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Patent number: 6185771Abstract: The present invention relates primarily to a versatile hand-held pocket tool having slidable pivoted jaws that are extensible from within the handle grips. The pivoted jaws are rotatably locked in the extended position thereby preventing the pliers from retracting when being used. When not in use the pliers are retracted into each of the handle grips and rotatably locked, maintaining the jaws in their storage position. Each of the jaws has two cutting surfaces; one notched cutting surface for cutting wire and one shearing surface for wire stripping and the like. Two foldable pivoted screwdrivers comprising a flattened blade type and a Phillips end type are included to provide versatile portable tool operation. The pocket tool can be manufactured using powdered metal technology to reduce the manufacturing cost and to ensure greater uniformity and precision.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Inventor: John E. Trusty, Sr.
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Patent number: 6170104Abstract: A hand tool such as a knife or a combination tool includes multiple blades, each independently rotatable on a common axle between a closed position within a handle of the tool and an open position extending from the handle. Each blade is positively but releasably locked into its open position. Those blades which remain closed are biased toward the closed position when the opened blade is locked into position and also as it is opened and closed. A single locking, releasing, and biasing mechanism serves all of the blades in one handle.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Randolph J. Morton, Gabriel Alejandro Draguicevich, Roy L. Helton, Jr., Gregory F. Rubin
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Patent number: 6145144Abstract: A multi-function tool includes two channel-shaped handles having a first side wall and a second side wall forming a channel therebetween. An interlocking mechanism includes a first plate extending from the first side wall, and a second plate extending from the second side wall. At least one of the first plates has a periphery with a notch formed therein. At least one of the second side walls has a post extending therefrom. Each handle is releasably engageable by alignment of at least one post of one of the handles with at least one notch of the other handle. The multi-function tool also includes an interchangeable implement including a pair of handles with implement engaging means. An axle assembly extends transversely through the openings formed in the first and second plates and includes a first end member, a second end member, a pair of buttons and a spring. The spring is disposed between each of the buttons to bias the buttons into engagement with the end members.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Alterra Holdings CorporationInventors: Paul W. Poehlmann, Phillip A. Montague
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Patent number: 6131222Abstract: A combination trowel and screwdriver is provided wherein the trowel handle houses and removably retains a tool bit drive assembly which houses a plurality of tool bit or screw drives. The user pivots the tool bit drive assembly housing away from the handle to a position extending in the proximate direction from the handle. The user then selects the desired tool bit drive for insertion at the proximate end of the assembly and with the proximate end of the handle screws the screw into a recessed position in a wallboard construction. The user then retracts or repivots the tool bit drive assembly into the handle, and then with the trowel end putties or spreads a wallboard plastic or finishing material over the recessed screw head to finish the wall.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Inventors: Wayne Anderson, Paolo Cassutti
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Patent number: 6128805Abstract: A multipurpose hand tool with folding handles each including a central channel to receive pliers jaws or the like when the tool is folded, and including troughs holding outer blades alongside the central channel so that the outer blades can be opened without unfolding the tool. The troughs face opposite the direction of the central channels, and the bases of the outer troughs act as comfortable places to grip the handles when they are extended for use of the pliers. Blade locking mechanisms are incorporated in the walls of the central channels to lock each of the outer blades in an extended position.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2000Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Patent number: 6109147Abstract: A tool providing a plurality of tool bits, each having a different polygonal (i.e. hexagonal) external contour. The tool includes an inner member and an outer sleeve member. The inner member defines a small tool bit having a polygonal external contour. The outer sleeve member includes a cavity that selectively receives the inner member. The inner member and the outer sleeve member together define, when the inner member is received within the cavity, a large tool bit having a polygonal external contour of the same shape, but a larger size, than the inner tool bit. In this manner, the small tool bit may be used when the inner member is withdrawn from the cavity and the large tool bit may be used when the inner member is received within the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: LKL Innovations, Ltd.Inventor: Larry K. Legg
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Patent number: 6108845Abstract: A tool includes one or more tool members each having two tool elements pivotally coupled together. One or two handles each includes one end pivotally coupled to the block at a pivot pin and each includes a latch device for securing the handle to one end extension of the tool elements. The extensions of the tool elements each has a spring-biased projection for positioning the extension of the tool elements to the block. The blocks each has a shoulder for limiting the rotational movement of the handle relative to the block.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Inventors: Shen Chi Hung, Fu Daul Chen
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Patent number: 6105189Abstract: A foldable multi-purpose tool includes a pair of jaws and a pair of folding handles and is capable of accepting removable cartridges. In the extended position, the handles operate the jaws. Each removable cartridge contains a number of relatively small tool blades that are preferably selected by functional categories. Various cartridge hold-down and removal mechanisms are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Bear MGC Cutlery, Inc.Inventors: William Nabors, Debra S. Yates, David H. Linnebur, Jon Rodriguez, Andrew Hill
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Patent number: 6101654Abstract: A multifunctional pliers-knife (1) has two lateral sidepieces (10, 11) serving as a handle for the tool, a plurality of tools disposed between the sidepieces, and a pair of pliers having a first jaw (18) fixed integrally to the lateral sidepieces and a second jaw (14) capable of pivoting relative to the first jaw about a transverse spindle (40) at the front end of the tool. Means for locking the pliers in closed position include at least one locking element (4) disposed near this front end and capable of being moved in a plane parallel to the sidepieces between a position locking the pliers in closed position and a position permitting the pliers to be opened. The locking element has the advantage of being easily manipulated with the thumb of the hand holding the pliers-knife and is of sturdy construction.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Wenger S.A.Inventor: Maurice Cachot
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Patent number: 6098225Abstract: A pair of folding hand shears comprising first and second generally channel-shaped handles each having first and second ends, each generally channel-shaped handle having an open side and an at least partly closed side opposite the open side, the at least partly closed sides comprising shear-receiving openings. The folding hand shears also include first and second shear halves pivotally mounted to each other, with the shear halves being pivotally mounted between flanges at the first ends of the handles. Control straps extend between the flanges for limiting the maximum pivotal movement of the shear halves and for frictionally resisting pivotal movement of the shear halves. The folding hand shears are foldable between a closed, compact configuration and an opened, extended configuration for cutting with the shears and in the opened, extended configuration the open sides of the handles face each other. A plurality of additional tools are pivotally mounted to the handles.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Bear MGC Cutlery Co., Inc.Inventors: Herman J. McIntosh, Ken E. Griffey, Greg Cook, Larry Hinchman
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Patent number: 6088860Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a cross-jaw module removably attached to a pair of channel-shaped handles with a pair of clips. Each clip removably attaching the tang of each jaw of the cross-jaw module to one of the handles. The multi-function tool also includes a spring biased wedge lock to positively lock a plurality of pivotal attached ancillary implements in an open position. An anti-rotational washer located between adjacent implements prevents rotation of a non-selected implement. The washers include a protrusion that is received in a slot in the handle.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1996Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Fiskars Inc.Inventors: Paul W. Poehlmann, Phillip A. Montague, Edgar A. Dallas
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Patent number: 6088861Abstract: A tool includes a body with implements rotatably deployed from the body. The implements have notches in their bases corresponding to open and closed positions, which are engagable by a locking plate of the body. A locking lever rotatably mounted on the body includes a lock actuator plate which does not engage the locking plate when the locking lever is rotated to an unlocked position but does engage the locking plate when the locking lever is rotated to a locked position. The engagement of the locking plate causes it to contact the notches of the implement base, thereby locking the implement either open or closed. The body may be inserted into a handle, such as the handle of a combination tool, so that the operation of the locking lever also locks the body into the handle.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1999Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.Inventors: George Christensen Sessions, Dave Roger Nelson, Steven J. Hull, Thomas A. Gaboury, Gad J. Shaanan
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Patent number: 6070504Abstract: Cooperating jaws are pivoted together such that working end portions of the jaw members are movable toward and away from each other. The jaws have butt portions extending opposite the jaw pivot from the working end portions. Such butt portions are, in turn, pivoted to elongated handles for swinging about axes parallel to the axis of the jaw pivot. The handles are channel shaped and define recesses into which the interconnected jaw members can be swung so as to be nested in the handles or, alternatively, into which the interconnected jaw members can be retracted so as to be partially contained within the handles. The handles have forward portions interconnected by a tension spring, and cooperating cam surfaces to bias the handles to predetermined angular positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: SOG Specialty Knives, Inc.Inventor: Spencer Frazer
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Patent number: 6065213Abstract: A folding scissors of a type suitable for inclusion in a compact multipurpose tool, in which an operating lever securely engages one of the scissors blades to move it with respect to the other, and in which a spacer takes up excess clearance to keep the operating lever drivingly engaged with one of the scissors blades and to keep the sharp edges of the scissors properly close together during use of the scissors. Inclined mating surfaces are provided on the lever arm and on a hook on one of the scissors blades to keep the operating lever engaged with the scissors blade. A cavity is provided to receive the spacer when the scissors is in its folded configuration in order to facilitate relative movement of the parts of the scissors during the process of folding and unfolding the scissors.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Patent number: 6038735Abstract: A handle for a compact tool which includes two handles and each of the handles has a tool member pivotally connected thereto. Each handle includes a connecting plate from which an operation end longitudinally extends, and two side walls bent downwardly from two respective opposite sides thereof. Each of the side walls has an engaging end extending longitudinally beyond the operation end and a tool member is pivotally connected between the two engaging ends. Two recesses are defined respectively between each of the engaging end and the operation end.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Inventor: Chung-Min Chang
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Patent number: 6038723Abstract: A foldable multi-purpose tool includes a pair of jaws and a pair of folding handles, with one or both of the handles configured to receive removable cartridges. In the extended position, the handles operate the jaws. Each removable cartridge contains a number of relatively small tool blades that are preferably selected by functional categories. Various cartridge hold-down and removal mechanisms are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.Inventors: William Nabors, Debra S. Yates, David H. Linnebur, Jon Rodriguez, Andrew Hill
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Patent number: 6023805Abstract: A tool device includes a pair of handles each having a chamber formed by a pair of panels and each having a pin secured in the middle portion. A tool member includes two ends each having a tool portion and includes a middle portion engaged with a fastener which is engaged with the ends of the handles for pivotally coupling the handles and the tool member together. The distance between the fastener and the pins is shorter than the tool portions such that the pins may be forced to engage with one of the tool portions for allowing the other tool portion to be used.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Inventor: Hsing Tai Lin
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Patent number: 6014787Abstract: A multipurpose hand tool with folding handles each including a central channel to receive pliers jaws or the like when the tool is folded, and including troughs holding outer blades alongside the central channel so that the outer blades can be opened without unfolding the tool. The troughs face opposite the direction of the central channels, and the bases of the outer troughs act as comfortable places to grip the handles when they are extended for use of the pliers. Blade locking mechanisms are incorporated in the walls of the central channels to lock each of the outer blades in an extended position.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1997Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Patent number: 6009582Abstract: A compound, multiple function, foldable tool having first and second handles, a tool head with pivotable jaw members, and a plurality of additional tools. The tool head are stored within first channels on first sides of the handles, and the additional tools are stored within second channels on second sides of the handles opposite the first sides. Thus, when the tool head is used, the additional tools do not interfere with gripping of the handles during use of the tool head. Moreover, because of the position of the additional tools, these tools are easily accessible while the tool head is in the storage position. The compound tool may also include a ratchet and an adapter and coupler that fit on the ratchet or at least one of the additional tools so that even further tools may be fit on the compound tool. An easy to read full length, straight edge ruler may optionally be provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the handles.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Swiss Army Brands, Inc.Inventors: Marc S. Harrison, Carl S. Elsener, Eduard A. Elsener, Albert F. Rohrer, Walter X Rohrer, Franco Giarritta, Riddell Roper
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Patent number: 6006385Abstract: A multi-tool with a handle formed to have a cross section that is S-shaped so that a foldable tool stored in the handle may be opened and closed independently of other selected operations for the multi-tool. The foldable tool is stored in a first pocket, facing away from an opposing handle, and an adjustment mechanism is stored in a second pocket, facing toward the opposing handle. A leaf spring is cut from an opposing wall of the first pocket, and biased so that the leaf spring moves to a blocking position at least partially within the first pocket when the foldable tool is in an open position. A post is mounted on the foldable tool and is exposed for engagement by a human hand to facilitate deployment of the foldable tool from its closed position to its open position. The S-shaped construction of the handle allows a flange to be incorporated as part of the handle without interfering with the foldability of the foldable tool stored in the first pocket of the handle.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Kai U.S.A. Ltd.Inventors: Peter G. Kershaw, Douglas B. Flagg, Craig Green, Katsumi Hasegawa
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Patent number: 6003180Abstract: Cooperating jaws are pivoted together such that working end portions of the jaw members are movable toward and away from each other. The jaws have butt portions extending opposite the jaw pivot from the working end portions. Such butt portions are, in turn, pivoted to elongated handles for swinging about axes parallel to the axis of the jaw pivot. The handles are channel shaped and define recesses into which the interconnected jaw members can be swung so as to be nested in the handles or, alternatively, into which the interconnected jaw members can be retracted so as to be partially contained within the handles. The handles have forward portions interconnected by a link which, in an open position of the handles, is positioned between the handle pivots and the jaw pivot. For a given angle of swing of the handles, the jaws are moved through a smaller angle, i.e., a substantial mechanical advantage is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: SOG Specialty Knives, Inc.Inventor: Spencer Frazer
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Patent number: 6000080Abstract: An adaptor to mate with a hand tool such as a folding multipurpose tool to make use of the multipurpose tool as a handle to turn tool bits of various sizes, such as screwdrivers or small socket wrenches. The adaptor includes a drive plate which mates with the hand tool, and a tool bit-engaging member attached to the drive plate and movable angularly between various positions, with a latch to keep the tool bit-engaging member in a selected position. A pair of arms of the drive plate engage the sides of the jaws of one type of multipurpose tool to locate the adaptor as required with respect to the multipurpose tool.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1997Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventors: Craig Anderson, Howard G. Berg
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Patent number: 5979959Abstract: A multi-purpose folding tool including a pair of folding scissors, in which a scissors blade is movable about a pivot shaft, between a stowed position and a deployed position. A rocker is moved by a spring in the tool handle and urges a movable scissors blade toward an open position. In one embodiment two handles are folded about respective scissors blades to house the blades, and four springs hold the handles together with the folded scissors stowed within the handles. A pair of tweezers of sheet metal includes a pair of parallel arms each perpendicular to a base portion of the tweezers. When the scissors and other tools are folded into their stowed positions in the handle of the multi-purpose tool of the invention the tool has a smooth outside configuration allowing the tool to be carried in a pocket without causing undue wear.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Patent number: 5979059Abstract: A locking mechanism for holding a selected blade or tool kit of a multi-purpose folding tool in an extended position. A base portion of each blade is mounted on a pivot pin mounted in a tool handle. The base portion includes a cam and a notch, and a spring included in the handle biases a flange against the cam and urges the flange into the notch to hold the selected blade in an extended position. The notch has a sharp lip and the flange is attached to the spring by a bend formed in a way leaving effectively a zero radius of curvature inside the bend. As a result, the lip of the notch and the inside corner surface of the bend defining the flange do not interact as cam and follower to urge the flange out from the notch, and a shorter flange and shallower notch are effective to lock the blade in position. A channel which receives and holds blades in a folded configuration of the tool has inside corners between sidewalls and a base, each corner having effectively a zero radius of curvature.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1996Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventors: Timothy S. Leatherman, Benjamin C. Rivera, Philip C. Gibson
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Patent number: 5978993Abstract: A multipurpose folding tool including a pair of pivoted scissors blades or pliers jaws, each having a handle in the form of a channel, attached through a pivot joint permitting the handles to fold around the scissors blades or pliers jaws. Each handle includes a pair of parallel legs, separated by a deep notch defined in the base of the channel forming the handle. Parts of the scissors blades or pliers jaws pass through the notch as the handles are folded, and the channel base faces outward when the handles are extended for use of the scissors or pliers. Other blades are stowed inside the handles and have back surfaces which are coplanar, giving the tool a generally smooth overall configuration when it is folded.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1996Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Patent number: 5964131Abstract: A hand tool includes a pliers jaw mechanism and two solid-body handles that pivot about the lugs of the jaw mechanism between open and closed positions. The ends of the solid-body handles are in the form of implements. The externally facing surfaces of the handles are dished to conform to the sides of the jaw mechanism when the handles are closed. The jaw lugs include cam surfaces over which corresponding surfaces of the solid-body handles ride to provide detents for the handles in the open and closed positions. The jaw lugs include facing protrusions that define a key ring when the handles are in the closed position. The face of the hand tool presents a broad, generally planar surface suitable for the imprinting of information thereon.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1998Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Valle de Oro Bank, N.A.Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Gregory F. Rubin
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Patent number: 5963999Abstract: A multi-purpose folding tool which features inwardly tapered handles to provide external plier jaw storage, thereby leaving greater room for supplemental tool storage inside the handles, a box-beam handle construction for greater strength, downwardly opening handles to facilitate ease of use, a unique supplemental tool locking and release mechanism, and laminated plier jaws which are riveted together for even greater strength and overall integrity.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1998Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Imperial Schrade Corp.Inventors: Walter A. Gardiner, David A. Swinden, James Quinn, Robert Andersen, Oleh Stecyk, Joseph A. Hufnagel, Peter F. Lynch, David A. Furth, Robert L. Naas
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Patent number: 5960498Abstract: A foldable multi-purpose tool includes a pair of jaws and a pair of folding handles and is capable of accepting removable cartridges. In the extended position, the handles operate the jaws. Each removable cartridge contains a number of relatively small tool blades that are preferably selected by functional categories. Various cartridge hold-down and removal mechanisms are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.Inventors: William Nabors, Debra S. Yates, David H. Linnebur, Jon Rodriguez, Andrew Hill
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Patent number: 5946752Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a spring biased implement which can be stored within the handle of the multi-function tool when not in use. The implement includes first and second members pivotally attached at a pivot. The implement further includes a spring rotatably attached to an axle extending across a channel-shaped handle of the multi-function tool. The spring includes a first end attached to the first member of the implement and an arm which biases the second member away from the first member to an open working position.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Fiskars Inc.Inventor: Bradford J. Parrish
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Patent number: 5920935Abstract: The present invention relates to compact tools, and more specifically hand tools which have various interconnectable implements for performing numerous functions. In one aspect of the present invention the combined tool has opposing handles which may be used in at least 3 distinct positions to increase the versatility of the tool, as well as the ability of the opposing handles being alternated between various positions of use with only the use of one hand.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1998Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Spyderco, Inc.Inventor: Martin E. Beck
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Patent number: 5916277Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a caddy and a cover pivotally connected to the caddy. The tool includes a primary implement attached to a first end of the caddy, and a plurality of secondary implements pivotally attached about a second end of the caddy. The secondary implements may be held in an extended position by a locking mechanism, a portion of which extending from a longitudinal slot formed in at least one side of the caddy. The cover may also include a light disposed about an end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Fiskars Inc.Inventor: Edgar A. Dallas
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Patent number: 5809600Abstract: A multifunctional pocket tool, for example a Swiss army knife, folding pen knife or knife-pliers, has at least one retractable implement and includes removable screwing attachments, for example Phillips attachments, flat screwdrivers, socket wrench or socket keys or corkscrews, which can be fixed perpendicularly to one of the lateral faces of the tool. The attachments are preferably attached by using a hexagonal opening in one side of the tool. The location of the opening is selected so as not to impede the manipulation of other implements. In one variant, a ratchet is integrated in the pocket tool. The ratchet is not reversible, but the attachments can be attached by using the two sides of the ratchet. A handle, serving normally to operate another implement, also enables operation of the ratchet. A removable adapter can be placed on a little screwdriver for fixing other removable screwing attachments.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 1997Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Wenger SAInventor: Maurice Cachot
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Patent number: 5809599Abstract: Cooperating jaws are pivoted together such that working end portions of the jaw members are movable toward and away from each other. The jaws have butt portions extending opposite the jaw pivot from the working end portions. Such butt portions are, in turn, pivoted to elongated handles for swinging about axes parallel to the axis of the jaw pivot. The handles are channel shaped and define recesses into which the interconnected jaw members can be swung so as to be nested in the handles or, alternatively, into which the interconnected jaw members can be retracted so as to be partially contained within the handles. The handles have forward portions interconnected by a link which, in an open position of the handles, is positioned between the handle pivots and the jaw pivot. For a given angle of swing of the handles, the jaws are moved through a smaller angle, i.e., a substantial mechanical advantage is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1996Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: SOG Specialty Knives, Inc.Inventor: Spencer Frazer
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Patent number: 5791002Abstract: A multi-purpose folding tool which features inwardly tapered handles to provide external plier jaw storage, thereby leaving greater room for supplemental tool storage inside the handles, a box-beam handle construction for greater strength, downwardly opening handles to facilitate ease of use, a unique supplemental tool locking and release mechanism, and laminated plier jaws which are riveted together for even greater strength and overall integrity.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1996Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Imperial Schrade Corp.Inventors: Walter A. Gardiner, David A. Swinden, James Quinn, Robert Andersen, Oleh Stecyk, Joseph A. Hufnagel, Peter F. Lynch, David A. Furth, Robert L. Naas
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Patent number: 5781950Abstract: A multi-purpose folding tool which features a unique supplemental tool locking and release mechanism, inwardly tapered handles to provide external plier jaw storage, thereby leaving greater room for supplemental tool storage inside the handles, a box-beam handle construction for greater strength, downwardly opening handles to facilitate ease of use, and laminated plier jaws which are riveted together for even greater strength and overall integrity.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1996Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: Imperial Schrade Corp.Inventors: David A. Swinden, John Denis Lemaire
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Patent number: 5765247Abstract: A hand tool such as a knife or a combination tool includes multiple blades, each independently rotatable on a common axle between a closed position within a handle of the tool and an open position extending from the handle. Each blade is positively but releasably locked into its open position. Those blades which remain closed are biased toward the closed position when the opened blade is locked into position and also as it is opened and closed. A single locking, releasing, and biasing mechanism serves all of the blades in one handle.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Randolph J. Morton, Gabriel Alejandro Draguicevich, Roy L. Helton, Jr., Gregory F. Rubin
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Patent number: 5745997Abstract: A multi-purpose folding tool including a pair of folding scissors, in which a scissors blade is movable about a pivot shaft, between a stowed position and a deployed position in which a stop prevents the blade from moving further with respect to the handle because of pressure on the handle in the direction needed to close the scissors blades in a cutting stroke. A rocker is moved by a spring in the tool handle and which in turn urges a movable scissors blade toward an open position. In one embodiment two handles are folded about respective scissors blades to house the blades, and four springs hold the handles together with the folded scissors stowed within the handles. When the blades are deployed one of the springs holds each blade in position with respect to the handle while the other spring urges the blades toward an open position, through action of a rocker.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1995Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventors: Howard G. Berg, Benjamin C. Rivera